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Saints and Sinners Irish Pub in Woodside to Close after 21-Year Run

Saints and Sinners 59-21 Roosevelt Ave. (Photo: Amy Brett)

Aug. 26, 2022 By Michael Dorgan

A beloved Irish bar in Woodside – known for its pints of Guinness, friendly atmosphere and food — will close Saturday after a 21-year run.

Saints and Sinners, located 59-21 Roosevelt Ave., will shutter for good Aug. 27, according to a statement released by the owner via social media Wednesday.

The post did not specify the reason for the closure although it alluded to extenuating circumstances.

“Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have decided to close down effective Saturday,” the post reads.

The post thanked the bar’s customers and staff for their support over the years.

“Customers more than anything, have become friends, and that is priceless,” the post reads. “We will see u all again soon!!!

The bar has been a neighborhood staple for more than two decades and often hosts Irish music sessions and viewing parties for sports games.

It is a popular after-party destination for participants of the annual St. Pats For All Parade. The TV series Law and Order Organized Crime was recorded at the bar in 2021.

Saints and Sinners has a distinctive round bar in the middle of the establishment with several side rooms and a dining area in the rear.

Some of its popular dishes include a full Irish breakfast, crispy salmon, beef curry, as well as a braised chicken which comes with mashed potatoes and vegetables. Its chicken sliders are a fan favorite along with its scotch eggs.

Saints and Sinners has a 4.3-star rating on Google (out of a possible 5) based on 337 reviews.

Many customers took to Facebook to share their thoughts on the closure.

“This is heartbreaking, I feel like a touchstone in my life is disappearing,” Lois Anne DeLong wrote.

“Very sad news,” wrote Robert Breen. “The staff made the place… with great food and beverages.”

Other posters paid tribute to Ronan Cooke, the bar’s owner. Cooke immigrated to America from County Kildare in Ireland in the late 1990s. He could not be reached for comment.

So sad to hear this, it was a great spot… Best wishes Ronan and crew, the end of another great Irish Bar in Woodside,” wrote Helen Delaney

“Very sad to read this, we all had wonderful times in saints and sinners, some days we were saints other days we were tipsy sinners,” Pam Tracy wrote. “Wishing you all the very best in your next chapter thank you for giving us a home away from home when in New York.